# Authenticator vs Authenticator App

The clearest difference is review sentiment: Authenticator App at 100% against Authenticator's 33%. Authenticator App also leads on rating (4.3 vs 3.9) and iOS requirement (15.1 vs 17.0). Authenticator's advantage is ads (none vs shown) and update cadence (every 9 days vs every 6 weeks). On price, ratings volume, in-app purchases and monetization model there is nothing between them.

Both are free to download. Authenticator sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per 7 days and Authenticator App sells 8 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per 7 days. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.

Authenticator App holds the better App Store score, 4.3 against 3.9. Both are backed by a comparable volume of ratings — 13 and 29 respectively. Written reviews point the same way: 33% of Authenticator's written reviews are positive against 100% of Authenticator App's.

Authenticator ships an update every 9 days, Authenticator App every 6 weeks. Both last shipped on October 4, 2026.

## The numbers

| Metric | Authenticator | Authenticator App |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | [3.9 (13 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303/reviews) | **[4.3 (29 ratings)](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-otp/id6757484813/reviews)** |
| Number of ratings | 13 | **29** |
| Positive reviews | 33.3% of reviews | **100.0% of reviews** |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Ads | **No** | Yes |
| Update frequency | **Every 9 days** | Every 6 weeks |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free with in-app purchases |
| Size | 21 MB | 45 MB |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 | **15.1** |
| Devices | iPhone | **iPhone, iPod** |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | [NOOX MEDIA LTD](https://appshunter.io/developer/1836916041) | [Solid Dijital](https://appshunter.io/developer/1862145370) |

## What reviewers say

### Authenticator

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-shield-app/id6756226303)

This app generates secure, time-based one-time passwords for your online accounts. It features a privacy-focused design with local storage and optional biometric protection. Easily set up accounts by scanning QR codes or manually entering details.

**Highlights:** Time-based one-time passwords (TOTP), Secure local storage with iOS Keychain, QR code scanner for setup, Optional Face ID / Touch ID lock, No ads or tracking, Offline functionality

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (3)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly subscription noTrial | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Subscription | $59.99 | per year |


### Authenticator App

[App page](https://appshunter.io/ios/app/authenticator-app-2fa-otp/id6757484813)

This app provides secure two-factor authentication (2FA) and multi-factor authentication (MFA) by generating time-based one-time passwords (TOTP) for online accounts. It offers encrypted backups, cloud sync, and QR code support for easy account management across multiple devices.

**Highlights:** Secure 2FA/MFA code generation, Encrypted backup and cloud sync, QR code account addition, Multi-device access, Reliable and fast performance

**Features:** macOS Compatibility, Vision Pro support

**In-app purchases (8)**

| Purchase | Price | Billing |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Weekly Basic Subscription | $2.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Pre Subscription | $7.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Plus Subscription | $8.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Pro Subscription | $9.99 | per 7 days |
| Weekly Platinium Subscription | $11.99 | per 7 days |
| Yearly Basic Subscription | $39.99 | per year |
| Yearly Plus Subscription | $49.99 | per year |
| Yearly Pro Subscription | $59.99 | per year |


## Frequently asked questions

### Is Authenticator free?

Authenticator is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Is Authenticator App free?

Authenticator App is free to download, with in-app purchases available.

### Which has better reviews, Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Authenticator App is rated higher. Authenticator averages 3.9 out of 5 from 13 ratings, while Authenticator App averages 4.3 from 29 ratings.

### Do Authenticator or Authenticator App have ads?

Authenticator App shows ads; Authenticator does not.

### Which is updated more often, Authenticator or Authenticator App?

Authenticator ships an update every 9 days, and Authenticator App every 6 weeks. Most recently, Authenticator was updated on October 4, 2026 and Authenticator App on October 4, 2026.

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*Compared by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/) from daily US App Store data. Review summaries are generated from verbatim App Store reviews.*